Black Hats

The Black Hats are not your everyday pirate gang; they're more vicious, cruel, and violent than any other gang in the skies. In Crimson Skies, they are allied with "security firm" Sacred Trust Incorporated.

The collusion between Sacred Trust and the Black Hats was proved by Nathan Zachary's Fortune Hunters and Paladin Blake's Blake Aviation Security in a series of raids throughout Manhattan. Sacred Trust was exposed by the discovery of a Sacred Trust-owned warehouse full of stolen loot, and several cargo zeppelins smugglings goods out of the city.

During the Battle Over Broadway, the man responsible for the criminal operations between Sacred Trust and the Black Hats reveals himself to be none other than Lucas Miles, the man who betrayed Zachary and the Fortune Hunters over Cuba. The Black Hats were destroyed, Sacred Trust were exposed and humiliated and the Fortune Hunters enjoyed an unusual period of popularity.

Aircraft
The Black Hats favour the Brigand due to its impressive durability and firepower.

Zeppelins
The Black Hats have been seen with a Empire State-class zeppelin, the Dark Derby. The Dark Derby was destroyed by the Fortune Hunters and Blake Aviation Security during Unholy Alliance